A local Richmond charity awarded more than $13,000 worth of grants to Richmond residents to build bridges between cultures and strengthen connections among neighbours.
Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) distributed $13,295 as part of its Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants program, which funded 29 community projects this summer.
The program allowed Richmond residents to apply for up to $500 toward a community project.
Among the grant recipients was Allison Sam who used the funds to create and deliver homemade cards with flower bouquets, donated by PriceSmart Foods, to her neighbours.
According to RCRG, the 10-year-old’s community project had recipients returning thank you cards in appreciation.
Garson Sam, Allison’s father, said Allison “just wanted to do something nice for her neighbours.”
“It was a way for her to brighten their day and put a smile on their face, and she gained a lot from the experience as well,” he said.
Ed Gavsie, CEO of RCRG, said it is inspiring to see Richmond residents “take what they’re passionate about” and sharing it with the community.
“These projects, though small in scale, often serve as ice breakers, leading to new and lasting relationships between neighbours,” said Gavsie.
The program is operated in partnership with the Vancouver Foundation and Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC.
Applications for the program will open again in the fall.
